Editorial Review

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Reviews

Excellent travelogue, November 15, 2010
I just finished The Teaching Company's course on ancient Egypt and the instructor mentioned Herodotus many times, so I just had to read this book. His dates are c.484 BCE - c.425 BCE. He traveled to Egypt when he was about 30 and wrote this book upon his return to his home in Greece. It's a very good description of Egyptian civilization- he covers geography, customs, pharoahs, rituals, gods, architecture and more. It's rather impersonal- he seldom mentions any people he meets. If you're interested in ancient Egypt this is one of very few surviving accounts by a foreigner who actually visited there. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A Post 9-11 Travelogue Through Afghanistan, June 10, 2006
Mr. Stewart has written an entertaining account of his walk across Afghanistan in 2002. The country was in shambles, the Taliban had just fallen and the Twin Towers had fallen a few months ago. As a nation, Afghanistan doesn't exist -- just a collection of warlords ruling their fiefdoms and encroaching each other's territories. So Mr. Stewart enters the county from Iran without a visa as if he was climbing Mount Everest -- because it was there.

The author is a superb storyteller and once the book has started, the reader will not be able to put it down. His writing style is conversational, as if he just arrived home and is telling you of his recent adventures. Why Harvest Books did not put this book out in hardback is beyond me. The reader should be aware that his next travel book "The Prince of the Marshes," will be out in August, 2006 where Mr. Stewart decided to move on to a less dangerous country than Afghanistan -- he went to Iraq.

Understated Humor with Sadness at the Core, June 25, 2006
Writing with the understated humor in the best of Magnus Mills' novels (Restraint of Beasts, All Quiet on the Orient Express), Stewart accounts his long, arduous trek on foot through the brutal landscape of Afghanistan. Thought to be a spy, he is often accompanied by mysterious "guards" hired by the new government to supervise Stewart's meanderings. The conflict between Stewart and these guards provides much of the book's humor. But then about a third into the book, Stewart is offered a dog, a huge bear-like creature who is described as wise and weary. The dog, whom Stewart names "Babur," has been abused and neglected all his life and Stewart adopts him and determines to take Babur with him back to Scotland. For me, Stewart's tender relationship with the endearing dog Babur is the heart of the book. It will make you weep. This storyline alone makes the book worth reading. Of course, this book is much more than a man meets dog story. It is a firsthand account of the grotequeries that seethe within a country in a state of violent upheaval.

THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR JOURNEY MR STEWART, November 25, 2006
"Someone in Kabul told me a crazy Scotsman walked from Herat to Kabul right after the fall of the Taliban"

Thanks for the book. For it was indeed a journey of great spirit and determination. Mr. Stewart was well prepared for this trip with vitamins and various medications he knew would be necessary to successfully complete this challenge; ibuprofen, antibiotics, just name it and he had it; sharing with the villagers he met on his way when they saw what he had and begged him.

Well written, well told. I was truly impressed with how hospitable the people of Afghanistan were; those whom he encountered and offered him rest and meals and at times water to wash with, at their various humble abodes where he was invited to stay for the night. Even through they understood little English, Mr. Stewart was able to communicate to them by speaking Persian. I love reading about anything in the Eastern and Asian side of the world, so I was with him all the way. I felt like I was alongside him as he climbed those steep slopes and when he walked on the flat valleys. I drank tea with Mr. Stewart from glass cups, ate stale bread with him and soup, and enjoyed the rest at the end of the day, sleeping on a carpet or just on the floor.

The attention given to him was enormous as he persevered onwards. My main concern was just before he got to Kabul when he had to travel through the deep powdery snow which was known to cause frostbite, making it necessary to amputate limbs for some in the past. I held my breath as he and his dog companion Babur made it out of the snow covered mountains, and alas into another bright day. God bless you Rory Stewart. I will soon be starting Prince of the Marshes, which sounds like another winner; but to those of you out there looking for a Christmas gift or other, buy The Places In Between first, for you won't be disappointed. An excellent gift, especially for travellers!!!
Reviewed by Heather Marshall Negahdar (SUGAR-CANE 25/11/06)

Humanistic Profile of Afghanistan with an Adventurer's Spirit and an Anthropologist's Eye, June 17, 2006
Walking across central Asia without ruminating at length about the political and military crossfire would seem like an odd diversionary tactic by a writer any less assured than Rory Stewart. However, the Scottish author manages to evoke a powerful sense of what Afghanistan was like during his arduous, often moving trek through the wartorn country in 2002. Unlike Chris Ayres' humorous adventure of being embedded with the troops in Iraq in his blistering account, "War Reporting for Cowards", the then-29-year old Stewart is more straightforward with a true adventurer's spirit and an anthropologist's eye, as he set out on his own with his wooden staff through the central mountain range to Kabul. His immersion into the country was obviously aided incalculably by his fluency in Dari, which is the Afghan dialect of Persian, and his in-depth knowledge of the cultural custom and history of the country.

There is not a whit of romanticism in the author's vision, as he shares his experiences with people who have been grouped categorically by the news media with the hard-line Taliban. The most impressive aspect of the book is his ability to provide unique, almost idiosyncratic personalities to everyone he meets from the warlord Ismail Khan to his three Afghan traveling partners to a gregarious village headman to a war-beaten dog who becomes Stewart's constant companion. He names him Babur after the 16th-century Muslim emperor who traveled across Afghanistan to found the Mughal dynasty of India. Carrying the emperor's autobiography, the author draws compelling parallels with his own experiences and describes the Afghan people with becalming respect and admiration even if the ongoing threat of violence has hardened some of their sensibilities.

In a somewhat lighter vein, Stewart provides helpful travel tips for anyone who finds themselves in a fear-based Muslim nation, for example, assessing the likelihood of open land being mined if one sees sheep droppings, or the art of slicing a donkey's nostrils to allow easier breathing for the animal. Almost gratefully, he remains relatively agnostic when it comes to the U.S.-led invasion or the ongoing Iraqi conflict, but he cannot help but vent of some of his frustrations at the bureaucracy that has compromised efforts toward redevelopment. This is an insightful and eminently readable profile of a country whose true spirit has been hidden ironically by the excessive media coverage of the military-based carnage.

Mr. Rory's travelogue is a window to Afghan history, and an accurate depiction of its people, January 1, 2007
This book is essentially a travelogue of Rory Stewart's walk across most of Afghanistan, from Herat (near the Iranian border) and Kabul in early 2002, immediately after the fall of the Taliban.

I spent a year deployed in Afghanistan with the US Army, working daily with a battalion of Afghan National Army soldiers. While I didn't visit all same the places Mr. Stewart did, I could see some of his story within my own. We patrolled all over northeastern Afghanistan, meeting many Afghan leaders along the way and visiting sites of cultural signifigance. I found Rory's description of Afghan customs and culture to be spot-on with my own experiences.

However, I was more impressed by the knowledge the author clearly has of Afghanistan and southern Asia. This is by no means a history book. Mr. Stewart does not beat you over the head with his knowledge of history. Rather, it comes out in glimpes and glances in the form of topical references and tangents. As a student of history, I found these to be gems pepppered throughout the text. If only there was a text as readable as this on Afghan history; I'd love to read it.

My only complaint with the book would be that I feel some understanding of Afghanistan is necessary as a prerequisite to get maximum enjoyment from this book. Nonetheles, that would not stop me from recommending this book to anyone with an interest in Afghanistan or in traveling in troubled parts of the world. His style is easy to follow, self-effacing, yet intellectually stimulating.

Audio and book versions, January 9, 2007
The book was first published as a hardcover by Picador in England on 4 June 2004 (ISBN 0330486330). A second revised edition was published as a paperback in England on 1 April 2005 (ISBN 0330486349). On May 8 2006 a further revised American paperback edition was published by Harvest Books (ISBN 0156031566). An audio recording was made in 2006 narrated by Rory Stewart while he was in Kabul and published by Recorded Books (ISBN 1428116702) based on the Harvest Books edition. I believe all three books have seen slight improvements with each new edition.

The audibook version is highly recommend as a supplement to the text. It is narrated by Rory (from a studio in Kabul) and his pronunciations of Afghan names and places are priceless, as well as his overall character and tone.

Comments: Scottish author and historian Stewart walked across some of the most difficult mountain terrain in Afghanistan in the early winter months of 2002 right after 9/11 (and lived to tell about it). He saw a land of contrasts: a culture based on feudal-like systems living in mud huts -- but with modern weapons and vehicles. Villages were people never traveled more than a few miles from home their whole life -- but had seen international forces from the USSR, USA, NATO and elsewhere pass through. People who were one step away from starvation willingly giving food to a passing stranger -- then shooting at him for sport and fun the next.

Afghanistan has always been resistant to understanding, but Rory, by traveling and living with the mountain tribe people who account for most of the countries population, comes as close as any to pulling back the curtain and revealing the character of the country in their own words and actions. A classic of travel literature, anthropology.

Travels with Babur..., January 11, 2007
... in search of Afghanistan. Stewart's odyssey, and description thereof, through the heart of Afghanistan is utterly amazing. What prompts a 30-something-year-old man to undertake such a journey by himself? Unfortunately, the reader never quite figures out why he is doing this. Wanderlust? Insatiable curiosity about a war-torn nation? Hatred of Scottish winters? Who knows. But, fortunately, there is so much else to like about this book that that hole does not diminish the overall effect. Stewart describes a nation, a people, and an existence that is hard for most Western readers to understand. The book has a several emotional peaks, including Stewart's description of the amazing Jam minaret, the sadness over what has been lost with the Taliban's destruction of the Bamiyan buddhas, two or three quite dangerous encounters within small villages, and, finally, a sad and ironic ending. Stewart is a wonderful, descriptive author. This book would have merited a fifth star had Stewart turned some of that observance on himself and described what motivated him to take this astounding trip.

An incredible journey..., July 1, 2007
I wanted to read more about Afghanistan after reading a number of books about this country, so I picked up Rory Stewart's The Places In Between. This is an incredible tale about his journey, walking across Afghanistan from Herat to Kabul in 2002.

Afghanistan was not Stewart's first journey on foot. The amazing part of his trek is not that he traveled between these two cities, but that he did it through the mountains during the winter. In this respect, he was traveling in the footsteps of the Emperor Babur of Mughal India, from whose journals he liberally quotes. Stewart wanted to stay away from "roads. Journalists, aid workers and tourists." The sights that he saw were not much different from what Babur saw in the 1500s. The other reason Stewart chose to walk through Afghanistan is that he considered it the "missing section of my walk, the place in between the deserts and the Himalayas, between Persian, Hellenic, and Hindu culture, between Islam and Buddhism, between mystical and militant Islam. I wanted to see where these cultures merged into one another and touched the global world."

During Stewart's journey, he depended on the generosity of strangers to provide him with food and shelter. Most of them lived a very poor existence with homes made of mud bricks, with dirt floors and no electricity or running water. Many times, food was simply tea and bread. But throughout, Stewart heard their fascinating stories. Many of them fought the Russians, the Taliban, or each other. He was also able to discover how so many civilizations converged in this beautiful but desolate country along what were the Spice Road and the Silk Road.

Stewart took a drawing pad with him, and The Places In Between is filled with interesting drawings of the places he visited, the people he met and some of the objects he saw. It is also filled with photographs of his travels as well as maps of each leg of his journey. Many people thought that Rory Stewart was bold, brave, and/or downright crazy to make this trip. But for whatever reason, his readers are richer for his efforts.

A tale only a well-educated brave idiot could write, March 6, 2007
When I first heard of this book I thought that walking across Afghanistan was one of the most dangerous ways of travel I could think of. After reading the book, I discovered I was entirely correct.

Due to the author's bravery/stupidity an amazing book appears. I found his writing to be rich, descriptive, but balanced. The people of Afghanistan are not irrational Islamic terrorists, but neither are they a helpful, friendly, and trustworthy bunch, who always look out for the needs of a stranger.

While the author meets his share of noble people, he also runs into thieves, liars, and thugs. He includes enough historical context to make the story relevant while still keeping the book a travel work at its core. The author is a talented observer with a gift for clear, but engaging prose. I am glad he wrote this book, since I felt as if I made the journey, without every having to walk an inch into Afghanistan

Further Perspective on Afghanistan, January 22, 2007
I picked up this book after reading "The Kite Runner," which gave an interesting perspective on Taliban-Afghanistan. This is written by a Scot who walked from Herat to Kabul post-9/11. This is a great read, and gives you a perspective on Afghanistan that most articles/books have not given. The geographical center of this nation is very poor and very un-educated, and sadly does not really understand their own history. Afghanistan is a country that is divided by many different factions and histories, and will be a country that will be very difficuly to unite. Within this look at this country is a story of a somewhat-crazy Scot who is essentially doing the unthinkable. Mr. Stewart makes this read enjoyable with his humor and his unbreakable courage that gets him through this trip. I suggest this read 100%. ... Read more

Editorial Review

From the green hills and sun-drenched coast of Galilee to the sacred sites of Jerusalem's Old City; from the dramatic desert of Wadi Rum to the vibrant reefs of Dahab, there is much for pilgrims and holidaymakers alike.



This relaunched edition has new features and three brand new walks, as well as clear maps and extended hotel and restaurant listings. ... Read more

Reviews

A clear-eyed view of Jerusalem in 2007, January 9, 2008
It's tough to pick the "best" guidebook for a particular destination, and the proliferation of free travel information on the web makes choosing "the one" even tougher. My wife and I always start with a copy of an EyeWitness guide for the destination: there are pictures on every page, and we find the images help us plan our trip: the guides are particularly good for architecture and art. The practical guides in the back cover currency, hotels and restaurants.

This guide to Jerusalem is a particularly good example of the DK offerings: the images, paper, text, all are up to the high standards of other books in the series.

Having written that, there is really only one page that matters in deciding whether to buy: the newer the guide the better. This book appeared first in 2000 and was my companion to Israel. It was substantially revised in 2002, and revised again in 2007. If you like the Eyewitness series and have any interest in the destination, armchair or on the ground, your decision is made.

Note: DK maintains an excellent website at TravelDK , with updates on many of its guidebooks.

Robert C. Ross 2008

Fine guide, but biased, April 30, 2008
As someone who has lived in Israel for almost a year, I know that every tiny thing is politicized here. So I don't really hold it against this guide that it has an obvious anti-Zionist slant. It's hesitant to mention the word Israel (note the title), but sometimes it does. It does not acknowledge that Jerusalem is in Israel, but you'd only notice that if you're paying attention. Any section that discusses the modern history of Israel is severely biased. The tone is appropriate, but the facts are presented in such a one-sided manner that relying just on this book would give you a seriously skewed perspective. There aren't many up-to-date guides to Israel, and this one is pretty good (I also like the Frommer's). So go ahead and buy this guide, but read about Israel from a couple of other sources to offset the bias. The Idiot's Guide to Middle East Conflict is an easy to digest overview, though it's biased in the other direction -- sadly, I don't think objectivity on this subject is achievable.

Purely as a tour guide, this doesn't quite stand alone; it's a great supplement if you have another guide. Hotel and restaurant listings are very brief, and they aren't included on the maps.

VERY HELPFUL, April 12, 2009
My wife and I spent a week in Israel in March 2009. The 2007 edition of "Jerusalem & The Holy Land" was extremely helpful in preparing for our seven-day tour. This guidebook is packed full of information. I was able to plan ahead on what to look for at a given site. For example, from this guide I learned that the Church of the Nativity had faded paintings on columns done by the Crusaders. I was able to actually see them. This book is very practical. The photos of Israeli currency are very helpful as most of my purchases were made in Shekels (Incidently, a 2-shekel coin has been introduced since guide's publication).

The Hebrew phrases in the book are helpful. My only suggesting would be to add a few basic Arabic phrases as one will encounter many Arab shopkeepers.

I hope to return to Israel in a few years an will again purchase a DK Eyewitness Travel book.

Good Job for the Holy Land, September 7, 2009
"Jerusalem" and the Holy Land" was a great help to me while on my recent Sabbatical. It was small enough to carry and yet informative enough to be worth carrying. However, since I was visiting 5 countries, I made a habit of leaving each guide book to lighten my load as I was picking up other items along the way. I bought this one to replace the original and couldn't have been happier to receive it on time and in great condition. It helped me remember places and stories and, more importantly, label my photos.

Recommended... with some reservation., May 1, 2008
This book was initially purchased in 2000 and I wanted an updated version as so much has changed in 8 yrs.
I was disappointed as I found pretty much the same pictures and content.
That being said I LOVE the DK books for travel ...they are terrific guide books.

Eyewitness Guide for Jerusalem & Holy Land, April 6, 2009
This is an excellent guide. The Eyewitness guide breaks it down by regions making it easy to navigate the book

Jerusalem and the Holy Land, July 5, 2009
A great travel guide full of beautiful pictures. The most informative I have found for the Holy Land. Includes great details about Petra.

Good Guide, June 29, 2009
Have used Eyewitness guide books before and always happy with them. It has concise information that is easy to follow. Not in great depth, but that wasn't what I was looking for. This is the book I prefer. I, too, was a little put off with their reluctance to refer to Israel. They usually just default to "the Holy Land".

Informative and User Friendly guide to Israel, March 26, 2010
My husband and I ordered this book before a trip to Israel. We found it very user friendly. We were waiting in line to see the Temple Mount and looked below and saw some ruins people were visiting. The book made it easy to discover it was the Jerusalem Archeological Park as it had a photo layout of the site. The book was kept handy through the whole trip so we could learn more about each of the sites we were visiting. This was a wonderful aide on our trip, especially because we didn't have a lot of time to read about the trip before we travelled.

Interesting book, October 27, 2009
A must read for those who are interested in learning about Jerusalem and Israel in general. ... Read more

Editorial Review

A new discovery from the publishers of DRAGONOLOGY!

Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt through a fascinating journal from a lost expedition - a treasure trove of fact and fantasy featuring a novelty element on every spread.

Here are just a few of EYGPTOLOGY's special features:

1) an extravagantly gilded cover, featuring a raised Horus hawk pendant with three encrusted gems

2) a playable game of Senet(ancient Egyptian checkers) including playing board, pieces, original-style dice, and rules

3) a souvenir booklet showing how to read simple hieroglyphs

4) a scrap of "mummy cloth"

5) a facsimile of the gilded mummy mask of King Tut

6) a gilded eye-of-Horus amulet with a "jewel"

7) fold-out maps

8) drawings and photographs

9) period postcards

10) a letter from the former Keeper of Antiquities at the British Museum, explaining which parts of this unique tale may be accepted as fact, which are guided by legend, and which reflect the author's delightful sense of fancy. ... Read more

Reviews

So much fun and a learning tool too, November 7, 2004
This book is great. I got it for my sons and I am the one who stayed up late reading it. It is full of fun discoveries, and good information to use as a teaching tool for my kids. I'll tell them its the real journal of my aunt (hey, at 4 they still want to believe its true). The design of the book and the illustrations are beautiful, it will be something we read over and over again. Got it along with Dragonology which my sons LOVE. Amazing that this can be had for only 12 or 13$!

Egyptology, December 1, 2004
I bought this book for myself and i have to say it is absoutely awesome! I stayed up for 2 hourse reading every detail of this exciting "long-lost" diary. The games Senet is very fun and the "papyrus" looks very real! The cover looks like it is made out of gold and is very cool. I enjoyed this book and reccommend it to everyone.

- Sophi :-)

Treasure of Fun for Your Little Indiana Jones!, December 5, 2005
This book is full of fun and facts. Our son was given this book as a gift for his birthday. What a wonderful gift it was! We spend about half an hour at a time on a page. There are lots of "secrets" and pockets and even a game. The book pretends to be a mysterious manuscript dating to 1926 (or is it real?) and provides readers young and old with an imaginative tour of Egypt's mysteries. Its heavy pages have the feel of a well-made pop-up book and its storyline is absorbing. My son seems to scan around the pages and find something new every time we open the book. It's fun for him but, I enjoy it just as much. It reminds me of the fun adventure of Indiana Jones.

GOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!, December 2, 2005
I am 11 and loved this book. It is full of mystery and fun. Before I got glasses reading hurt my eyes, but this one was so good I read it anyway. I liked this book because it is not written like normal books; it was informative, and easy to read. It has paragraphs scattered around the page like a journal.

If you liked this book you should probably read the whole series:
-dragonology
-wizardology.

A Great Series, October 11, 2005
This is just another great book in a great series of books. If you haven't collected them yet, I recommend it. Dragonology, Egyptology and Wizardology along with now Dragonology Handbook, Egyptology Handbook and HOPEFULLY to come Wizardology Handbook. They are all beautifully done, filled with hiddened surprises and lots of things to do -- an adult treat childstyle.

Fun and not just for kids!, September 17, 2005
I love this entire series of books - my first was Dragonology. These are very much in the spirit of Nick Bantock's Griffin & Sabine series, though these deal with some real life and fantasical subjects.

This is not hard-core info but pure delight with a little education thrown in. You'll probably want the whole series (as it comes out) and if you have young people around they will delight in the series too!

Loved it!, October 12, 2006
I absolutly loved this book! I recieved for my birthday a year ago and I still look at it! It is not just a reading book, its a hands on book with fasinating information. Great gift for kids, my younger sister collects the series and loves them.

Enchanting History, September 6, 2005
Lovely book. After studying mythology and Egyptian culture in her sixth grade class, my 12 year old daughter was simply enchanted to see those places, people and things from a "personal perspective". It makes rather dry textbook history come to life. Highly recommend the book to anyone with an interest in Egyptian life.

Egyption wonder, January 30, 2007
This is a great book. My son got it for Christmas and loves it. We originally saw it in a Borders book store(price was alot more than at Amazon)and my son looked at it for almost an hour while we shopped. He just loved all the postcards and drawings and heiroglyphs that are on just about every page. The book is written as a journal from an amatuer Egyptologist who goes on a journey looking for what they believe is the tomb of Osiris. The whole expedition disappears and years later her niece has the journal published. You'll love all the little letters, cards and drawings that are inside and makes the book come to life. The ology series is fantastic. My son also has the Dragonolgy book which he loves as well. He really enjoys these books and is already asking for Piratology and Wizardology. I think this is a great book for kids since they really get into reading the book.

Spectacular, realistic, INTERACTIVE, September 15, 2005
This book was great. It involved real history in an interactive way. It will spark an interest in ancient Egypt or satisfy an already interested person. This book will keep your attention throughout. ... Read more

Reviews

Excellent travel guide, October 17, 2007
I bought three travel books for Egypt (also Rough Guide and Lonely Planet), and this was my favorite. It is loaded with pictures and 3D layouts of the tourist attractions and cities. It lists the sites not to be missed and gives a great summary of the places and history. The section on practicalities of travel is also complete and helpful. Although the latest Rough Guide to Egypt has more in-depth coverage, the DK book will be going with me to Egypt.

Pretty good but Lonely Planet is 10 times better!, March 1, 2008
While this book has a lot of pretty pictures, and quite a bit of information, I found the lonely planet guide to have about twice as much information on any given area, and cover more of the obscure places in Egypt.

Limited Detailed Information, December 12, 2008
Not a bad guide, decent overview of all the sites and also cultural aspects of Egypt. My major complaint is that the maps are terrible. There is only one actual map, and it is only of Cairo (East of the Nile). So if you're staying in Giza (Cairo west of the Nile) you are kind of out of luck. Additionally there are loads of restaurants listed, but if they don't happen to be in Cairo then they will be no map of the location. If you're considering eating out, or doing anthing without a guide then you will need an additional guide book.

Beautiful but not enough content, March 29, 2009
Purchased this book for our recent trip to Egypt, it's beautiful as they all are, but I don't believe they include enough content as say Frommer's or Rick Steve's books.
I love the pictures, but if I was going somewhere and needed an in depth guide I would not get it.

Great Guidebook, January 30, 2008
This book is a beauty. The photos are beautiful and the information is well presented and easy to use. I have used these books before and really like them. We have not gone on our trip yet but on other trips these guidebooks have helped us find places and sites that we probably would have missed otherwise. Well worth the price.

Complete and well illustrated, December 31, 2007
I used this book for a trip to Cairo and Luxor. The book is complete and very well illustrated. A must-have when travelling to Egypt.

Don't Go Without This, November 1, 2008
I've been to Egypt twice before, and on my third trip I decided to bring this guide with me, and am I ever glad I did. Though I am quite familiar with the bigger sites, the maps in this book are not to be outdone, and I was impressed by the list of smaller sites I had never considered visiting before.

Great Primer on Egypt, October 9, 2008
This is a great first book to begin an understanding of Egypt before travel. It covers all major areas in extensive detail; provides suggestions for the best places to visit while in the country; detail pictures of what to look for at various sites;and the last section on travel tips I found invaluable. It is current (2008 ed) and I especially like the size of the book, which can be tucked into a carry-on bag or a back-pack while touring and doesn't weigh a ton. "Don't leave home without it!"

A helpful guide, November 28, 2007
The pictures in the guide were great. I also liked the history and cultural information about Egypt. The only thing missing for me was a bit more analysis and ratings for hotels, restaurants and points of interest.

Love all the DK books, May 19, 2010
I love the DK books because of all the pictures. They give you a really good idea what a place looks like before you get there plus gives you brief descriptions of the most interesting and popular places to go. It is not a stand alone book however, because it is not filled with details. For the details, you'll also need a Rough Guide or Lonely Planet. Those books are much more in depth. I always combine a DK book with one of the others and have all the info I need. ... Read more

Editorial Review

In the Steps of Jesus presents a visually stimulating tour of the places Jesus visited and ministered in during his time on earth as recorded in the Gospels. Each location is addressed separately and includes such cities as Capernaum, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. Full color photos bring to life the ancient world of the Bible few will ever be able to visit in person. With every page, the reader will gain greater insight into the history, geography, and unique features of these historic places. A must-have reference book for those interested in the study of the New Testament and the life of Christ. ... Read more

Reviews

Great guide to the Holy Land, March 20, 2008
Peter Walker takes the reader on both a historical and modern day tour of the Holy Land. This work is full of helpful maps and pictures of the land in which Jesus traveled, beginning in Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus and from there to Nazareth. There is a key days chart for each location discussed and the important all of the important events that have happened there throughout history. The focus is obviously on the time of Jesus, but each section has a section about today (e.g. Bethlehem Today). The author also give instructions and tips to anyone who is going to be taking a trip to Israel. Other locations that are included at the Jordan River, The Judean Desert, Galilee and its villages, Samaria, Caesarea Philippi, Jericho, Bethany, the Mount of Olives, the Temple, Jerusalem, Golgotha, and Emmaus. If you have read N. T. Wright's book "The Way of the Lord" and enjoyed it, then you will like this book as well. Walker seems to have been inspired, at least somewhat by Wright's work.

If you read one christian book make it this one, May 29, 2008
If you read one other Christian Book outside of the bible it needs to be this book. This book is excellent!!!!!It is a mix of standard bible commentary, some bible archeology, and a travel book all mixed up in one. The author also uses some references about the bible stories from ancient texts like Josephus and others. The book has a liberal amount of photo graphs of the bible sites as they are today. Reading this book will give you a feeling of actually visiting the Holy Land. (Actually visiting the site is also a must do thing for anyone) Looking at the faith stories from a modern perspective with a little commentary and history mixed gives you a new look. The truth of the gospel will stand out from reading this book like a sore thumb after you hit it with a hammer. Actually looking at the site as it is today makes you see the event as a real thing and not just literature. This book won't convert anyone but if you are a believer you will love the book.

An Outstanding Holy Land Reference, November 5, 2009
This resource is outstanding because it brings together information from various areas to make the Holy Land understandable, across a range of information, both current and historical. You always have the feeling that you are there! If you study a region, or even a city, there are the important historical dates before, during and after Jesus life time. If you view a region, it is through the integrated perspective of historical and modern maps, current photos and art, and significant biblical quotations and stories to go with the event under consideration. What makes the book so terrific is that while refecting many academic disciplines in the presentation, the text is very readable and understandable. This is one of those books that you think of as a classic. I wish I had access to this resource prior to my first trip to the Holy Land many years ago, however, I think it will be relevant any time to prepare for a trip, or to renew old memories.

Good on it`s own way, January 7, 2010
This book wants to be a guide for Christian pilgrims. Since I visited
the places which are depicted in the book, I come to the judgment that
the author did this very well, spirited and originally. Besides Peter
Walker surprises with extraordinairy interpretations of the scriptural
testimonies of the New Testament which cannot be found in usual guide
books. His style of writing conveys pleasant containment. Here the
author not just reported about historic events and local specialities,
rather he reasoned beyond the conventionel and traditional. This makes
the book to a lucky pull for every Irsael traveller, who knew Israel
only from the Bible. The pictorial material completes this felicitous
work properly. Travelling widens the horizon. This book does it also!
Highly recommended!
picted in the book, I come to the judgment that
the author did this very well, spirited and originally. Besides Peter
Walker surprises with extraordinairy interpretations of the scriptural
testimonies of the New Testament which cannot be found in usual guide
books. His style of writing conveys pleasant containment. Here the
author not just reported about historic events and local specialities,
rather he reasoned beyond the conventionel and traditional. This makes
the book to a lucky pull for every Irsael traveller, who knew Israel
only from the Bible. The pictorial material completes this felicitous
work properly. Travelling widens the horizon. This book does it also!
Highly recommended!

Walking where Jesus walked, November 9, 2010
Having been to Israel twice and going back in a few months, I would recommend this book. It provides good background to the events that took place in the Bible as well as what a traveler could expect today. The pictures alone, including the aerial views, are incredible. If you are a believer and you've never been to the Holy Land, this book is the next best thing. But I am betting someone who has never been and is reading this book will begin to look for ways to go. The best part for me is the sections in each chapter called "(Name of chapter) today," for here the author gives practical advice about seeing the most important places. There are also several places where he gives advice on seeing the most you can in that arena with limited time (i.e. a weekend). I certainly wouldn't follow his advice place by place, but he certainly gives some good ideas. This is definitely a book you will want along with some of the guidebooks if you plan to go to Israel; it is vital to learn as much as you can before you go. ... Read more

Editorial Review

No one knows Egypt like Lonely Planet. Our 10th edition will take you from the dusty streets of Cairo to the wondrous Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor. To wash off the dust, go diving in the Red Sea before boarding a felucca for a breezy cruise along the Nile.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts to get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:

Diving chapter takes you beneath one of the Underwater Wonders of the World, the Red Sea
Ancient Egypt decoded by nenowned Egyptologist, Dr. Joann Fletcher
Green Index highlights the best ecofriendly options
... Read more

Reviews

DON'T BUY THIS VERSION, December 10, 2010
I have used Lonely Planet guides I don't know how many times. I have always loved them....but this one stinks.
For starters, the layout is confusing and hard to use when you are traveling. For instance the "getting there and away" section really means "getting away." You have to flip back and forth to each city to find out when you can arrive and when you can leave.
Worse than a confusing layout is the fact that the information is FLAT OUT WRONG. The bus times listed don't exist with any bus company, numbers given for bus companies don't work and you find out from locals that is because they are the wrong numbers. In St. Katherine's they have buses listed for Cairo and Dahab.....and the bus to Dahab doesn't exist. That's right. I got out there, waited for the bus that never came. Locals then said the bus hasn't run in 5 YEARS!!!!
I have lived in the Middle East for 4 years, speak Arabic and I have never been so happy that I wasn't new to this part of the world, because this book was useless. As in, I had to ask for everything.....could have traveled without it.... DON'T BUY IT.

Well Researched, August 24, 2010
I am planning a trip to Egypt in October, and studied Egyptology in college. I am actually still in the process of reading this travel guide cover to cover and I'm about half way through. I can say it had provided amazing tips and advice. I have yet to test it out and see it's accuracy, but there are no lengthy articles, very easy to reference, plenty of helpful suggestions and insider views. Highly recommend this.

As a take-along tote, it's outstanding!, September 19, 2010
EGYPT is another fine destination-oriented guide from Lonely Planet Publishers, and comes from an expert who offers an updated coverage packed with maps, color chapters, and more. From money and local medical services to history and touring, no independent traveler's library should be without this winner! As a take-along tote, it's outstanding!
... Read more

Editorial Review

Lonely Planet knows Turkey: paraglide over the velvety Mediterranean, haggle good-naturedly in the bazaars or enjoy the views from Mt Ararat, just like Noah and his animals - our 11th edition helps you experience Turkey's best.

Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practical and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

In This Guide:

Inspiring itineraries to help plan your trip
Unique cultural insights from a Cappadocian horse whisperer and a female Kurdish entrepreneur
Essential information on crossing into Turkey's neighboring countries
... Read more

Reviews

An indispensable companion, December 3, 1999
Even for one who has travelled and worked in Turkey off and on for the past 29 years, this volume is an indispensable resource for both practical information and its brief but almost always interesting historical highlights. As an historian and archaeologist who has excavated in Turkey and has led a dozen university-sponsored study-tours through the country, I too have noticed some of the errors and omissions that have caused earlier reviewers distress; but such mistakes are few, are inevitable in a book with such a broad chronological and geographical scope, and are easily outweighed by Tom Brosnahan's obvious knowledge of and affection for the country's past and present. It's worth remembering that this volume does not claim to be an exhaustive historical guide to the country, but rather a handy and portable reference to all aspects of touring in Turkey. For me, it is second only to my wife as my favourite travelling companion in Anatolia.

overall, good, solid practical information, November 17, 2001
I love Turkey. I stayed in a small village in Central Anatolia for a total of 12 weeks over 2 summers studying archaeology. The second summer, my husband and I travelled in Western Turkey for 2 weeks. Neither of us really knew what we were doing (or knew much Turkish). We depended on the Lonely Planet to find out how to get to the places we are going and where to stay and eat. I have read several guides, and the Lonely Planet has the best practical information, although I did notice some small inaccuracies.

I would suggest supplementing the Lonely Planet with another guide that has more archaeological and historical information, if you are interested in it. Also, you will need a book or the advice of a friend to help you narrow down what to see. The Lonely Planet can leave you overhwelmed.

Thorough, Very Useful, November 26, 2000
Just a very useful guide, with basically everything the visitor to Turkey will need, a useful historical overview, travel tips, tourist sites, and suggested itineraries. Turkey is a great travel destination, with so much to see and so many different regions that it is difficult for one travel guide to do it all justice. This guide does a pretty good job. Those wanting a bit more on Istanbul would do well to check out the Eyewitness Guide or John Freely's book, especially for more historical depth and more detailed coverage of restaurants and hotels. But this Lonely Planet guide crams in an impressive amount of useful information. The chapters on the Adriatic coast sites (Ephesus, Kusadasi, etc.) are brief but comprehensive. The only suggestions I would have for the next edition of this guide would be a better section on buying carpets - there are four pages here, but frankly they aren't that helpful, and most visitors to Turkey could use some do's and don'ts on the subject. Also, many of the country maps are too small-gauge to be useful, dark and difficult to read. The maps should be greatly expanded, both in size and number, and made brighter and easier to read. But overall, the Lonely Planet guide is thorough and will likely be more than enough for most travelers.

Caution, January 10, 2005
In the absence of any specific recommendation, I have customarily turned to the Lonely Planet travel guides with excellent results. I must report, however, that the Turkey edition is less than brilliant in (at least, and possibly in no more than) the one part of the country I have visited, the Aegean rim from Ephesus to Patara. A number of the recommended hotels simply do not exist and never have as far as one can discern. The recommended eateries also sometimes prove unclean or disapointing. As the guide is assembled by vartious authors, this user's report cannot be taken as a blanket discrediting, simply as a caution.

Reliability is 50-50, April 4, 2006
My wife and I just returned from a two-week trip to the Aegean coast of Turkey. While we were certainly better off with the LP than without it, we found the sections on the Aegean coast to be unreliable.

What I need from a guide book like LP is solid information on places to stay & eat and realistic assessments of cities. This is not the case. The LP consistently praises cities that have few if any redeeming qualities. Their recommendations for pensions are hit or miss. Here are a couple of examples.

In the first, LP's overly optimistic assessment of a city wasted our time. We spent two nights each in Kuşadasi and Bodrum. In both cases the towns were described as laid back, low key and charming during the off season. While the Bodrum entry does say that it is a bit nicer than Kuşadasi, we were left with the general impression that the two towns were similar. (Note that criticism of Kuşadasi should be under the entry for Kuşadasi not Bodrum.) The two could not be more different. Kuşadasi is a bloated, dirty place whose urban core is made of that lovely concrete and re-bar construction. The streets have few signs. Driving is, therefore, difficult. There is simply no real reason to stay in Kuşadasi. One can reach sites from either Sel�uk or Bodrum. Both of these cities are far nicer than Kuşadasi. The highlight of our visit was the kindness of our proprietors and our departure from the city. Bodrum, by contrast, was a nice sea-side town filled with white houses and good restaurants. The city is walkable and drivable. It was a truly enjoyable place to stay. LP's editors should criticize a town where it is warranted and not pretend that all Turkish towns are equally nice.

In the second instance, we were left wondering if the editor had bothered to visit the Bergama pension that was recommended. For most of the day the lobby was inhabited by "friends of the establishment" who appeared decidedly strung-out. For the rest of the day, they rattled up and down the stairs flipping on lights. Unwashed louts, loud noises, bright hall lights and glass room doors do not make for a pleasant sleep. (Hint: the map for Bergama is wrong. If your pension is not where it is supposed to be, choose another pension.) This is in contrast to the lovely place, Homeros' Pension, in Sel�uk that was also recommended.

In short, with the LP you will sometimes have good recommendations and other times you will not. Do not trust the city descriptions. You could end up spending part of your vacation in a dump. If you are relying on it for good places to sleep you may or may not get what you wanted. Shop around.

But, this, for me, defeats the purpose. Reliability in a guide book allows me to get more out of my time in another culture. I do not want to spend a bunch of time inspecting rooms at pensions; I want to drop my stuff bedside and head out to see the country.

Best guidebook for Turkey, June 5, 1999
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating is that so much changes in Turkey that it's inevitable that some of the information (specifically the places to stay listings) in this edition will be a little outdated.

I used Tom and Pat's book a month ago and it was excellent. Some of the criticism from previous reviews say that it's not written by someone familiar with Turkish people. Well, I think the book does a good job balancing what concerns and information "westerners" are looking for, and giving a general sense of what the Turkish people and culture are like. Like any other adventure, it's up to the individual to go beyond the guidebook instead of having everything spelled out like a novel...what would be the point of travelling?

I emailed Tom on some updates and he assured me that they are already in the 1999 edition coming soon. As far as my experience with the LP series, the Turkey guide ranks with the best of them. Highly recommended if you're going to this incredible country!

The only guide for budget travelling!, August 25, 1999
I just returned from travelling through Turkey with a Turkish friend who lives in Germany, and despite his familiarity with the country and cities, we both heavily relied upon the LP guide for information on lodging, historical sites, off-the-beaten-track towns, and other fun and interesting places to visit. It is a fabulous book, and the only one worth paying for to use for such a trip. All other travellers I encountered (who weren't on pre-planned tours or paying $200/night at the Hilton) were using the LP guide, whether from North America, Australia, or Europe. Great information, very comprehensive, aimed at budget travellers! Enjoy!

Lonely Planet Turkey, May 28, 2000
Of the five tour guides we own about Turkey, this one is by far the most complete. Well indexed and with the detail travelers need. Routes to points of interest, descriptions of restaurants, and historical cultural information was all meticulously prepared. As we have traveled through the country, we have relied on this guide in preference to all others.

Great guide to Turkey, November 11, 2004
Turkey is a big country with a lot of major attractions, from bustling coastal resorts to sites of ancient historical significance. This book does a very good job presenting information about all these subjects. If you're only going to Istanbul then you're better off with a book dedicated to that city (such as the outstanding Eyewitness travel series book on Istanbul), but for travel in other areas of the country this should serve you well.

Excellent guide, August 20, 2001
The cover of this guide is a good ice breaker for your trip. Just comment why in the world would they choose it and immediately you will have people to talk to, no matter where in Turkey you are. But don't judge a book by its cover. Lonely Planet is usually the best guide around and this is a good example of that. I spent 3 weeks in Turkey and not once did I feel I needed info not available in the guide. Maps are abundant and contrary to other reviewers, I find that there is enough history for those interested in traveling to learn (it is a travel guide after all, not a history book) [overall I would guess there are say 30 pages of history in the book].

Why 4 stars and not 5? I felt the writers were too enthusiastic about everything, and that made it hard on the traveler to decide what was worth visiting and what wasn't. Let's face it, every location is not the most attractive town in Turkey, yet the authors claim that for way too many towns. So take their praise with a grain of salt and you will be fine. Also, the amount of hours bus trips take are not all that precise. (+-20% in my experience). ... Read more

Editorial Review

This high-quality Kindle eBook has been reviewed by our editors.It contains an active table of contents and is formatted for ease of use and reading.Enjoy this high-quality Kindle eBook. ... Read more

Reviews

Ultimate Piece of Travel Writing, December 17, 2009
This is the book that set the standard. Funny, acerbic and touching descriptions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East from America's signature humorist. Mark Twain's travel destinations have obviously changed in the century or so, but human nature hasn't. Good Kindle edition. Well formatted with linked table of contents.

MUST download for Kindle!, November 23, 2009
If you travel at all, you must put this book on your kindle. Twain went to all corners of the world and wrote of them in his dry wit and honest style. While in Hawaii, as well as in Turkey, I found reading what he wrote -- while in the very country he was writing about 100 years ago -- to be a fascinating and insightful view that is not available in any guidebook! ... Read more

Editorial Review

National Geographic Traveler: Egypt, 3rd Edition takes you into the heart of ancient and modern Egypt, from Cairo and Luxor to the Valley of the Kings and Aswan Dam. You’ll find a plethora of new experiences, such as how to ride a camel properly, belly dance, and travel in the footsteps of the Holy Family. ... Read more

Reviews

Great Introduction, December 4, 2009
This guide book is a great introduction to Egypt and preparation for a trip there. It is very readable and the notes from National Geographic staffers add insight. I made me realize we have not schedule enough time to see all that we should see. CKC ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A journalist's search for his soul, September 19, 2010

Martin Fletcher's trek of remembrance and discovery, August 12, 2010

One reporter's attempt to venture into the heart of Israel, August 6, 2010

Started out a skeptic and ended up loving this book, August 14, 2010

Wonderful insight into Israel, November 14, 2010
Martin Fletcher has written a wonderful book. If you want to understand Israel, its history, and its relations with its Arab neighbors this is the book to read. You can also understand Israel society, how it works and its problems. He walks from Lebenon, to Gaza. Gives you a running commentary of the history, going back 4000 years, to the Roman time, to the Turkish time, to the Israel Arab conflicts, to the present. There are so many people you meet with their different viewpoints. you also meet many Jews from so many countries to make up present day Israel. This is a must read for anyone who loves Israel, and wants to understand Israel. Also makes for an interesting travel guide for those who want to visit Israel

The Many Shades of Israel, November 7, 2010

Editorial Review

Streetwise Jerusalem Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Jerusalem, Israel - Folding pocket size travel map

This map covers the following areas:
Main Jerusalem Map 1:17,000
Old City Map 1:7,000

Traveling to Jerusalem Israel can be the experience of a lifetime. It’s hard not to feel the depth of history and atmosphere of the Holy Land in this concentrated labyrinth of tiny alleyways and small streets crowded with residents, merchants, tourists and pilgrims from around the world, same as it has been for thousands of years.

To help the traveler experience the richness of this ancient capital, the STREETWISE® Jerusalem Map includes the intricately laid out street grid of the Old City and features an abundance of tourist sites such as hotels, museums, religious holy sites, parks, and government locations.

Jerusalem is a walking city, particularly The Old City. A special inset map of the Old City enables you to discover that all the religious sites you visit are not just displays of antiquity, but rather still serve the same higher purpose they have for centuries.

The city surrounding the Old City is clearly depicted including Mount Scopus, Yad Vashem, and areas South and North of the city.

Our pocket size map of Jerusalem is laminated for durability and accordion folding for effortless use. The STREETWISE® Jerusalem map is one of many detailed and easy-to-read city street maps designed and published by STREETWISE®. Buy your STREETWISE® Jerusalem map today and you too can navigate Jerusalem, Israel like a native. For a larger selection of our detailed travel maps simply type STREETWISE MAPS into the Amazon search bar. ... Read more

Reviews

Hands-down best map!, June 13, 2007
I used this map in Israel in 2003 and LOVED it -- and was in fact the envy of my class. I left it with a friend only on condition that she return it to me immediately upon returning to the states, and even then it was tough to leave behind. Anyway, since the other reviewer didn't like it, it seemed important to add a voice from the other side. It's laminated and foldy, like FastMaps, and while it includes even tiny streets, it's not at all hard to read. There is also an index of cultural sites, hotels, gardens, points of interest, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sites, and other stuff. And while it will not actually pick you up and bring you to Duffy's jewelry store or to the fabulous shwarma place in the old city, you will feel like it did. I'm packing it when I go again in a week! (summer 2007)

Indispensible!!, March 7, 2008
I never go to Israel without two of these. I am a map-o-phile and personally have many maps of Israel and Jerusalem. Some are in English and some are in Hebrew. This is the ONE map of Jerusalem that I highly reccomend to those who visit Israel with us. It's laminated, accordion-fold and easy to read.

As for the negative review, I understand the statement about the complexity, however there is no way to have less content with an accordion fold. I would suggest a larger scale map for planning at home and the hotel, and use the StreetWise map for walking.

Hands down, the best compact pocket map of Jerusalem!, November 28, 2008
I've been in Jerusalem for one month from the states and this map is the one to get if you want to easily plot your location and were you want to go.....I have three other classic style maps.......the laminated streetwise map is the one I reach for when I walk out the door. It will fit in the back pocket of my Levi's and it doesn't get trashed, ripped, or wrinkled. My expat colleagues here all ask me where I got my map.........they all would like one too

A pretty map that stays dry in the rain, March 26, 2010
Ok, this is a product that I should have known better about ... because it is a simple map of Jerusalem that doesn't even compare to the city maps available in most hotel lobbies. The layout of the map is at first confusing as well but I did use it because it was raining.

It is a well made product and the rain bounces off of it so unlike the hotel maps you can hold it in the rain or float with it in the Dead Sea.

But, I would not spend my money for a map like this again ...

Wonderful Map of Jerusalem, January 23, 2009
This is a wonderful map for use in touring Jerusalem. Scale is right and detail is excellent. Highly recommended.

Revised Streetwise Jerusalem Map, October 24, 2008
I have been waiting for this updated version to come out for years. Now the Jerusalem Zoo, among other important sites, can be found with ease. These are the best travel maps I have ever used.

Old City Section very helpful, March 8, 2009
We just returned from 2 weeks in Israel. We took this map with us. The Old City can seem very confusing due to its small streets and closeness. Using the map, I always knew where I was, and even used it to walk out the Damascus gate to our hotel, about 3/4 mile away. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.

Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include


* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's, don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken


"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times
... Read more

Reviews

A Gem, March 15, 2008
The little book presents an excellent overview of a country with a complicated history. It covers succinctly the highlights of Egyptian history from the earliest time through to the present in so few pages that you end up with a real understanding of the progression of time. It then covers current social, economic, and political life. It gives excellent advice on what every tourist should know but even if you aren't going to Egypt this would be an interesting read. I can't imagine not reading this before going. It is not a guide book and is not advertised as such.

Superb introduction to egypt and its people, March 17, 2008
This is not a guide book - it's not about places, good restaurants and value hotels.

This is about the people of Egypt, their history, their culture and how they think.

As such, it is a much more interesting read than any guide book.

The stuff the guide books don't say, December 27, 2008
This was a wonderful book to read in preparation for our trip to Egypt. I highly recommend it if you are not familiar with the culture of Egypt and/or how it is different from other Arabic nations.

Accurate representation, Wonderful Insight, January 29, 2009
I picked this book up before our move to Egypt and it has now been 2 years since we moved to Egypt. I still reference it at times when I need to find a quick answer to a question on appropriate etiquette.

Whether you are a first time visitor, a short term tourist or planning to move to Egypt, this book is invaluable because its accuracy and insight is bang on.

A must for travelers to Egypt, July 18, 2009
Outstanding guide! If you follow this simple and easy to read affordable book, you will get a great reception everywhere in Egypt whatever you are a man or a woman. It is a beautiful country so worth of visiting. People there are open and friendly. Following their traditions for duration of your visit, although not necessary, is a small gesture of respect they very much appreciate. This book will give you an insight on traditions and culture.

An excellent guide, January 17, 2009
This has everything worth knowing about the Egyptians and Egypt. It's very good if you want to come closer to their culture, or if you want to travel there.

Egypt, September 14, 2009
It was brief and not much in depth. Easy to understand. It is probably all I needed since my stay will be only for 3 days. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The completely revamped, full-color Fodor’s Israel is perfect for first-time and return visitors who want to experience Israel’s awe-inspiring historical and religious sites as well as its outdoor activities, beautiful landscapes, good food and wine, and vibrant modern culture.
• More than 200 color photos illustrate the beauty of Israel and help readers choose what to see
• An all-new “Experience Israel” chapter provides an overview of the country and what to do, covering topics ranging from Israeli food and markets to the best beaches and spas
• All-new magazine-style illustrated features highlight quintessential Israel both ancient and modern: Masada, the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Jesus in the Galilee, trekking in the Negev desert, nightlife in Tel Aviv, and Israeli wine
• All-new orientation and planning features in each chapter have color maps and photos that make it easy to prepare for a trip and navigate the destination
• Detailed itineraries are tailored to specific kinds of visitors, such as first-timers and Christian travelers, to help them maximize their time and money
• Safety and security expectations are thoroughly detailed ... Read more

Reviews

Glossy presentation but lacks practical information, January 31, 2010
My wife and I just got back from a fantastic trip to Israel but are sorry to say that our Fodors guide was not a very helpful resource. It is definitely a good book to have when planning a trip, and its colourful pictures and maps would no doubt be nice to look at for someone on a guided bus tour who already had their accommodation and restaurant meals planned. For two independent travellers we found the guidebook utterly frustrating. One major complaint is the maps, which, while glossy and colourful, are absolutely useless because they do not label all of the streets, making it very difficult to find restaurants and other listed attractions (we gave up more than once!). It seems like the writers do not actually expect anyone to follow up on the recommendations they make. Another case in point is the guidebook's information concerning the Dome of the Rock. While it provides a fairly good general overview to the site it does not give a list of opening times to an attraction that is only open to non-Muslims on select hours of select days and only from a specific entrance; we spent a lot of time trying to find our way in. The guidebook provides a beautifully illustrated introduction to the Dead Sea and Masada but was entirely unhelpful in informing travellers how to get there (no times, bus routes, etc. were listed). In general it would be useful to have some bus and train maps and route numbers and other practical information (like what parts of the West Bank Israeli drivers are allowed to enter, and vice versa) that would help people who actually want to travel through Israel and Palestine rather than look at pictures of it.

See you in Jerusalem!, December 20, 2009

Israel has long been considered one of the most fascinating and dynamic destinations in the world. Most travelers would think the task too great an undertaking for a travel guide. Not Fodor's! They took the challenge and surpassed all my expectations.

I was fortunate to find such a well researched review. My clients are demanding and continually ask challenging questions that require the most dependable resources at my finger tips. Fortunately, this is it!

This guide has been sectioned into the country's seven major regions and a general area titled "Experience Israel". I particularly appreciated how it covered topics that the typical visitor would want insight into such as: Israel's markets, local cuisine, religion, family travel, nightlife & the arts and of course, where to stay and what to do.

The 7th Edition In Full Color guide includes 64 detailed maps, illustrated features and 265 color photos. It should be noted the photography is a significant improvement over similar books in the past. You'll agree once you have compared!

It's always appreciated when you get "insider tips" regarding dining. What you eat during a vacation can frequently turn out to make or break everything. Funny thing how food has such power over one's thinking. Fodor's writers have made it easy by selecting their favorite restaurants by price, cuisine and experience in the two major cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Their research will remove a lot of stress and guessing by trial and error. It's also a wonderful benefit so as to avoid "disappointment heartburn". Believe me, I have been down that ugly food road!

A final comment on "Fodor's Features". Every country has a number of historical facts and features & Israel is no different. So Fodor's took it upon their broad shoulders to highlight them. Their well documented articles, timelines and notations seem to jump off the page and come to life! Not an easy task for even the most experienced and gifted writers.

Expect to have gained a new friend with this gem. Enjoy your walk through history...past and present & prepare yourself for an Israel that's beyond what you imagined! See you in Jerusalem!

Very Well done, August 21, 2009
I spent some serious time flipping through the typical tourist books in regards to my month long business trip to Israel. I have read this book from cover to cover and I feel that the book is very well done and I would suggest others to consider it as well. The only reason that I did not give it 5 stars was due to a oversite regarding Jerusalem. Also, I think there could of been more info added. However, good book and I feel comfortable recomending this to others. Enjoy Israel, it is beautiful

Israel Information, August 2, 2010
This will be my family's first trip to Israel. We will be traveling with a group; and some days will have afternoons to ourselves. This book is an excellent way to find interesting restaurants, sites, etc. for when we have free time. The book is easy to read, with whole chapters devoted to main areas (Jerusalem, Haifa, ). I recommend this book to everyone.

Pretty book, Pretty useless, March 25, 2010
I recently returned from a trip to Israel and was very disappointed in Fodor's Israel. First off, I will say that I am probably not Fodor's target audience. I tend to be a very budget conscious traveler. Fodor's covers budget to expensive, meaning one or two listing for each price category. Based on the internet I know there are many more options, which have better reviews. Budget travels might be better off with another guide.

On the plus side, the book looks great! It has lots of pictures and engaging layouts. Looking through the book before the trip it heightened the anticipation. It is also great for showing other people what Israel is like.

For the negatives, I found the layout frustrating when looking for specific information. For example, information about Nazareth is found on the page for lower Galilee, the spread about Jesus in Galilee, and the section on Nazareth. On several occasions I remembered reading something, but had to dig through many pages to find the details because it was in a special spread and not in the section for that town. Another example, the map of the stations of the cross is on p76, but the description of the stations is on p63-64. It was difficult to walk through the Old City, trying to read two different pages with the book in one hand and a camera in the other hand.

As stated by another reviewer the maps are largely useless. Many street names are not marked and frequently the transliteration was different in the book than on the street sign (we could usually figure it out, but it required trying to pronounce the names, not just matching letters--difficult when driving with a line of cars behind you).

I was also surprised at the amount of data out of date for a book published in 2009. For example in Haifa, Jacko's Downtown location has closed (I don't know when it closed, but the building has been wiped clean and we confirmed with our hotel it had closed). Some prices had also changed quite a bit (One example, Petra is listed at JD21, it is currently JD33, and will be increasing later this year to JD50!).

The bottom line is that Fodor's was not a good match for my travel style (rental car, independent, budget). I'll stick with LP and Rough Guide in the future.

Inaccurate and poorly edited, August 19, 2010
I travel to Israel every year and bought this to research the north, which I am not familiar with. The first thing I did was to browse the areas that I do know, Jerusalem and a little of Tel Aviv. I was very unhappy with the lack of detail on the maps and the astonishingly poor editing throughout the book.

The maps are some of the worst I have seen. The roads names are in the Hebrew transliteration (Hebrew word using our letters) when the English terms are very commonly found on Israeli signs. It doesn't make that much difference as there are so few roads actually marked. Many major sites of interest are not labeled at all, even where there is plenty of room (like the Tel Aviv Center for the Performing Arts, which other guides have managed to mark).


Some editing examples:
Pg. 135, Best Bets for Jerusalem Lodging: The Mount Zion Hotel is listed under both the cheapest (cent sign) and moderately expensive ($$$) categories. The latter is correct. The food is variously described as good and bad in other sections.

Pg. 202: Review of the restaurant "Elvis Inn", it transposes Elvis's birth and death days. Not a big mistake by itself, but I came across several things like this in the half hour I spent looking at this book.

On the city map of Haifa, the two Dan Hotels are mislabeled (reversed).

I looked at the ATM section as, as recent as last year (after the publication of this book) many Israel ATMs don't take US cards and I was hoping they would mention that and list some locations of ones that do work. Instead I found some basic info followed by the two paragraphs, which are typed verbatim and followed each other on page 532:

"ATM machines (called "caspomats" in Israel) are generally not enclosed but rather installed in a wall, usually next to a bank.

The automated teller machine, known locally as a kaspomat (the word was actually in italics this time), ....

Where is the editor????

As an aside, the ATM in the arrivals area (luggage claim area) of Ben Gurion airport has a US friendly ATM. There is also one in front of the bank next to the King David Hotel.

Overall, I am seriously unimpressed. Since I don't trust the accuracy of this book, I will rely on another (I bought the "Insight Guides" and it is much better) and internet research. This book certainly isn't worth the money I spent and will not be taking up precious suitcase space.

Fodor's Israel, November 13, 2009
This book is very useful in planning my trip. The details are just what I need to know & the authors give extensive information and very good maps/ photos. ... Read more

Editorial Review

War correspondent Anna Badkhen returns to Northern Afghanistan in search of the friends she made in the early days of the occupation, back when it was the safest part of an unsafe land. Blighted, hopeless, still unspeakably beautiful but now overrun by the Taliban, the region is a different place entirely than the one she first encountered. Traveling from village to village, she comes to understand what went so terribly wrong in the North—and, by extension, what is going so terribly wrong in Afghanistan in general. In her dispatches, which she calls “part diary entries, part love letters from a land that stole my heart,” she offers one of the most heartbreaking, lyrical portrayals ever of Afghanistan—and a powerful warning to those seeking to force the country into a bright new future.

Format Note: Available for the first time as a collection, Badkhen’s dispatches span three weeks of daily coverage to create a short-form e-book. ... Read more

Reviews

Sobering but beautiful, October 8, 2010
Afghanistan as it is, not as we would like it to be. An excellent look at life and how much hasn't changed, or at least not for the better in Afghanistan. A quick read, which I found difficult to put down once I started. Every story leaves you wanting another, hoping that maybe the next person interviewed is doing better in life. An excellent collection, my only complaint is that it ended so soon.

Excellent Read, November 11, 2010
It is an excellent read (though short - 978 Kindle Locations). Pretty much apolitical, it will give you insight as to why simplified Western/American political solutions just don't seem to work in this poor and war-torn country.

Insights are derived from the diverse Afghan people the author visits during her most recent trip to Afghanistan. She tells their stories in a travel-diaryish format. Some of the stories are funny (but mostly not), many are sad (heart-wretchingly "How can God let this happen!" sad), all are interesting; salted with historical background information (both recent and ancient) that at least partially explains how the life conditions of that story arose.

A bargain at $2.99. Buy it.

Not a bad read, December 9, 2010
If this topic interests you, it's worth the read. However, the author spends a little too much time describing the environment and colors and smells. Because it is based on true accounts, the book is pretty interesting and informative as to how much of a 3rd world country Afghanistan clearly is. Left me wondering "Why in the world do we need to occupy this country when a few cluster bombs pointed in the general direction of a terrorist training facility on a regular basis would do the job." ... Read more

Editorial Review

Learn helpful Arabic vocabulary without being intimidated by its non-Roman script!

Your desire to learn Arabic may be twarted by its script; how will you pick up the language if you can't understand its characters? Read and Speak Arabic for Beginners overcomes this obstacle by providing an accessible, entertaining program that will reinforce vocabulary as well as help you create basic structures.

Each of the eight topics develop your communication skills in key areas, and your progress will be reinforced by tests and puzzles. The accompanying 55-minute audio CDcontains all the key words and phrases for you to listen to and repeat. It also features entertaining listening activities and games for additional reinforcement.

• Two-color layout and photographs throughout to illustrate key vocabulary.
• Proven approach combines games, puzzles, flashcards, and audio to aid language.
• Clear explanations of how basic phrases are used for practical communication.
• Audio CD/MP3s for correct pronunciation provides speaking and listening practice and audio games; detachable flashcards allow language reinforcement.

Topics include:
What is your name?; Where are you from?; What is this?; Where is it?; What's it like?;How do I get there?;Who's this?; What do you do?

Reviews

Excellent book!, August 23, 2010
I absolutely LOVE every thing that Jane Whitewick puts out. She makes learning Arabic easy and less stressful; especially the grammar! I had an "aha" moment when just thumbing thru her book BEFORE I even bought it on a Arabic grammar issue I had been trying to figure out for 18 months! I have to admit, that Jane's super strong British accent is kinda a distraction when hearing her speak and Mahmoud sounds kinda bizarre talking like a proper English gent sitting down to tea vs. the Arab he is; but after a while, you get over it. She knows how to rock a language and get you to learn it. She has done a recording for Arabic for the Michel Thomas Method and I have to say, because I found out it was her doing the lessons is why I bought it---she really knows her stuff. If you are desiring to learn Arabic with some ease and less stress, then I recommend you searching Amazon and buy all her books.

The best arabic audio book, August 1, 2010
With audio cd, this book is one of the best books for learn arabic languaje. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A peerless and unforgettable travel narrative, July 8, 2008
This fabulous account of getting on the train in London and riding trains (including the decrepit Orient Express) through Europe, across Asia as far east as Japan, then looping back to Europe on the Trans-Siberian, is not a bit dated, even though it was first published in 1975. Theroux is sometimes cross and prickly, but he doesn't miss a thing, and he ventures into places (and eats things) that most people never would. Because he is also a novelist, he's deft at limning the appearances and characters of the people he meets, and these people, who are variously vain, odd, smelly, crazy, foolish, bigoted, or just eccentric, give this travelogue--and indeed all of Theroux's travel narratives--the quality of a Dickens novel.

I've read and enjoyed several of his other rail narratives, including "The Old Patagonian Express" (Central and South America) , "Kingdom by the Sea" (United Kingdom), and "Dark Star Safari" (Africa). I'd start with this one, though, with its wonderful section on Vietnam in the last year of the war and its melancholy voyage across Leonid Brezhnev's sclerotic Soviet Union. As with all good books, it will transport you to places you did not know existed, even in this era of Google Earth. As for those who don't care for Theroux's sometimes cranky persona, well, there are always the twittering ecstasies of Peter Mayle ("A Year in Provence," etc.) or--worse--Frances Mayes ("Under the Tuscan Sun," etc.). Theroux's sojourns will never inspire busloads of tourists or the astronomical appreciation of the local real estate. Once you've read "The Great Railway Bazaar," be sure to follow it up with "Ghost Train to the Eastern Star," his recent (2009) account of his retracing (with some new stops) of the trip he took in the seventies. It's equally compelling, and it illuminates the story of the first trip.

By this book, unless you don't like good reading..., November 18, 2009
I like trains, and now I like Paul Theroux! I picked up this book because I was interested int the travel itinerary. After reading it, I bought all of his travel books, even those that didn't have a train in it. I have every one of his books that I can find and have read them all, and loved them all. Do yourself a favor; if you haven't read any of his books, read this one to start with and I assure you, you will be hooked on Mr. Theroux. Now, if I could only pronounce 'Theroux' properly...

A pioneer of travel narratives, August 3, 2009
This was the very first travel book I ever read. My parents had early on inspired in me a love of travel. Reading this book increased that desire to explore the world. Coincidentally, I also shared a love of traveling by train, though as the author frequently mentions, this can often be somewhat difficult, and at times downright unpleasant.
While some people consider Paul Theroux to be cynical, I prefer to think of him as a realist who does not feel the need to sugar coat any of his writing.
Part of embracing travel is to deal with the good and the bad,the same as many life experiences.
I feel that the author was a pioneer in his belief that the journey is sometimes more rewarding than the destination itself.
If you've never read any of Paul Theroux's works, you got some great reads to look forward to !

Where's The Beef?, February 7, 2010
Combine train travel, Asia and a talented writer and you expect an interesting book. It may be the day to day travelogue style or the boring time in history, but this book did not resonate for me. The writing was adequate, but I learned little about the author or his views, train travel, the countries (a bit), the travel companions or the cultures.

Grumpy Travels of a Fine Writer, January 30, 2009
I recently read Ghost Train to the Eastern Star (which re-creates the trip described in The Great Railway Bazaar and comments on the earlier trip). Although I thought that the writing is better and more interesting in The Great Railway Bazaar, this book lacks the perspective on writing that makes Ghost Train to the Eastern Star special for authors.

For many years, I traveled across the United States by slow trains (on a free pass) over 72 hours. I was always glad to have the trip end . . . except for that one time I met an interesting young woman (but that's a story for another time).

I would find the kind of trip that Mr. Theroux describes to be unendurable. It's not surprising that he did, too. And that spoils much of the potential fun of this book.

He is fixated on giving you more than you ever wanted to know about bad meals, poor ticket-buying experiences, missing visas, getting drunk, poor sanitary facilities, and unpleasant companions. Mr. Theroux takes himself very seriously. That's too bad. A little humor about his situation would have helped.

From Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, it's not hard to know why: His marriage was falling apart and he couldn't really afford the trip. All I can say is that his problems show.

Imagine instead that a poor person had been granted this same opportunity: It would have been like a magic carpet ride. Unfortunately, you take yourself with you when you are a travel writer.

There are some good moments in the book. Occasionally, Mr. Theroux has enough knowledge about a country and its people to use his journey to comment in a helpful way about the culture. Most Americans will be fascinated to read about South Vietnam after American troops had pulled out and before the final reunification by force. In the early going, a fellow traveler makes the mistake of spending a little too much time at a station . . . with consequences that Mr. Theroux has some fun with.

Japanese people may not like the portrait that Mr. Theroux displays of their nation. It has little to do with railways and railway travel.

Fans of India, by contrast, may enjoy his relative enthusiasm for that populous and challenging nation.

Sometimes the material isn't in the best of taste. I didn't really need to read about his investigation of the ladies-for-hire offerings in an Asian country.

The Great Railway Bazaar, July 4, 2008
Reading Theroux's travel literature, one wonders why he left home - the people he meets are almost universally irritating for him, and he takes little interest in much else except perhaps his own physical discomforts and prejudices. Of course we love to hate this type of splenetic and cantankerousness writing, not unlike Tobias Smollett's 1786 Travels Through France And Italy (Smollett also took a 'Grand Tour'). Theroux models himself an anti-tourist, resisting seeing the sites but when forced he rarely has anything positive to say. This appeals to the reader who wants to travel without being a tourist, but in the end comes across as crass and of little value. He is at his best describing the lowest encounters, prostitutes seem to fill the most interesting stories (it's unclear if he partakes but he does imbibe in smoking a fair amount of hashish). Theroux followed the "hippie trail" for part of the way but found them, like most everyone, open to ridicule.

There are some interesting historical curiosities. He traveled through Vietnam in late 1973 when the US military was pulling out, and so he got to see first-hand the deserted bases overtaken by squatters, stripped of every valuable not unlike what happened to Iraq in the wake of the US invasion in 2003, and perhaps not unlike what might happen again in the near future. He also makes a literary connection between the Vietnam War and Conrad's Heart of Darkness, well before the appearance of Apocalypse Now (1979). The best scene in the book I think is with the 3 Americans living on the beach with some Vietnamese women.

In the end this is an important book in the travel literature canon because Theroux set out to create something new and found a wide following of readers helping to revive interest in the genre, but he was eclipsed by writers like Bruce Chatwin (In Patagonia) who really did move the state of the art of travel writing out of the 19th century into a modern aesthetic. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Whether you are traveling first class or on a limited budget, this Eyewitness Top 10 guide will lead you straight to the very best Cairo and the Nile have to offer.

Dozens of Top 10 lists - from the most magnificent pyramids, tombs and temples to the best cruises along the Nile - provide the insider knowledge every visitor needs. And, to save you time and money, there's even a list of the Top 10 Things to Avoid.

Each Top 10 now contains a pull-out map and guide that includes fold-out maps of city metro systems, useful phone numbers, and 60 great ideas on how to spend your day. ... Read more

Reviews

Eyewitness Travel - Egypt, February 5, 2010
This is a geat reference with diagrams and pictures. There are also self-guided tours available. I would recommend it to anyone travelling to Egypt.

Great guide with lots of amazing recommendations, June 7, 2010
We went to Cairo and Hurghada and especially in cairo this guide was extremely helpful. We tried a lot of the recommended restaurants, they were great and not crowded with tourists.
I would buy it again!

Useless and misleading, September 7, 2010
This book is disappointing. There isn't much of content when it comes to where to see and what to see. The travel tips provided are also useless and even misleading--makes me wonder if the author really went to Egypt himself. The book glosses over a lot of negative but nonetheless very important facts about touring Egypt, which is, in my view very dangerous, as it doesn't prepare the readers well enough to start their tour. ... Read more

Editorial Review

"The Rough Guide to Jordan" is the essential guide to the Middle East's most enticing destination. This title features detailed accounts of the best attractions Jordan has to offer, along with the clearest Jordan maps and plans, lift the lid on this fascinatingly diverse country. With expert advice and background, explore the world wonder that is Petra, an ancient city carved from rose-red mountain cliffs, roam the sands of Wadi Rum in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, and then relax on golden beaches at Aqaba, Jordan's beautiful Red Sea resort hideaway. You'll find detailed guidance on getting the best out of a visit to Amman, the buzzing Jordanian capital, as well as Crusader castles and stunningly well preserved Roman cities. Float your cares away on the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, or take in spectacular views over the Dana biosphere reserve. At every point, the Rough Guide steers you in the right direction to find the best hotels in Jordan, recommended Jordan restaurants, cafes and shops across every price range, giving you clear, balanced reviews and honest, first-hand opinions.This title helps to explore all corners of Jordan with authoritative background on Jordan's culture and history, the clearest maps of any guide and practical language tips. Make the most of your holiday with "The Rough Guide to Jordan". ... Read more

Reviews

a must for a traveller in Jordan, February 27, 2010
just returned from 2 weeks traveling in Jordan, used the latest edition.
A precise guide, made the trip much easier and comfortable.
The author made a fantastic job, I just do not understand how a single person was able to provide so much precise details.
I rent a car, and can confirm that number of gas stations in Jordan is less than crusaders castles.
The only thing, which may be I want to add, that if you are lucky to find one of those gas stations, please be aware, that local folks try to charge you pointing on the number of liters, which is about twice as much, as number in JD.

Very, very good, September 22, 2010
My wife and I traveled through Jordan with a baby in tow. This book was a fantastic help - great recommendations (sites, hotels, restaurants were all spot-on), accurate/relevant info, good maps. The major sights (Petra, Jerash) are especially well-covered. My personal recommendation would be to save the beach-time (Dead Sea/Red Sea) for Israel if you're hitting both countries. Also be prepared for (much) longer-than-expected driving times in Jordan - we're talking ubiquitous speed bumps (even on the freeway, not kidding) and highways that go through the center of any town in their paths.

Jordan Revealed, April 24, 2010
In addition to the expected site descriptions and traveler recommendations, which are excellent, this book has an incredible History of Jordan in the back. It covers the Paleolithic period in Jordan to the near present in a concise and highly readable summary of each time period. I'm one who has to be spoonfed history -- but this is a sophisticated and understandable and seemingly objective documentary, where the writer doesn't substitute guesswork for motivations of countries' actions. He either states what the general consensus is/was or simply omits assigning motivation. You would never expect to find this nugget in any guide.

Getting around in a very unique land, April 17, 2010
Very good practical tips for finding and selecting accommodations. Wefollowed the precautions of not taking the website for granted and read the tourist reviews before booking. The recommendations for sites to visit and information on how to get around were very helpful for planning our itinerary and time frames. I found the history of many of the recommended sites very helpful; I had mostly thought about Jordan being desert with Petra and Aqaba being important and beautiful places. But the ancient history and castles and monuments of things from bibical times surprised me and I am more eager to go than ever.

Spectacular!, February 4, 2010

The country of Jordan, as viewed through a 'Rough Guide' lens, is remarkable.

I have not traveled there, but after reading this indepth tome, I would be perfectly comfortable traveling, and going from place to place. Matthew Teller clearly has experience in the area, and communicates it well through his text and travels. I appreciate the full gamut of information from tour companies to air fare, to accomodation and even recommendations for stops. He provides a great history at the back end so you can absorb the culture first hand when you travel. The individual sections on the historic sites is very absorbing.

Highly recommended and ambitious. This is the way a travel book should be!

Tim Lasiuta

Had to return this purchase, July 26, 2010
The print in this book is so small that I needed a magnifying glass to read it. Not an enjoyable experience. I soon became very frustrated so I returned it! ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Israeli novelist David Grossman’s impassioned account of what he observed on the West Bank in early 1987—not only the misery of the Palestinian refugees and their deep-seated hatred of the Israelis but also the cost of occupation for both occupier and occupied—is an intimate and urgent moral report on one of the great tragedies of our time. The Yellow Wind is essential reading for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of Israel today.
... Read more

Reviews

A Great Contribution to Historiography, May 5, 2003
An excellent read, and certainly the least biased book on the subject I've ever read. I was introduced to this book while reading a passage in THE OTHER ISRAEL written by Assaf Oron, a Sergeant Major in the Israeli Defense Force Reserves. Assaf is one of the reservists who has refused to serve in the occupied territories after years of serving there.

In THE OTHER ISRAEL, Assaf wrote, "A copy of THE YELLOW WIND..., which had just come out, crossed my path. I read it, and suddenly it hit me. I finally understood what I had done over there [in the occupied territories]. What I had BEEN over there."

This powerful passage taken in context moved me to buy and read the book that moved a soldier to completely change his outlook on the conflict, and I am so fortunate I did.

Grossman's book is written from a uniquely humanist point of view in regard to what life is like for both Palestinians and Israeli citizens since 1967.

He spent 7 weeks in the occupied territories, both in the camps and in the settlements to make a genuine attempt to see the immediate world around him through the Palestinian and Gush Emunim settlers' eyes.

This book does not bog down with the intricacies and interpretations of various peace agreements, nor does it bother to delve into the well-known positions held by political leaders on both sides as so many other books on the subject do. Rather, Grossman focusses entirely on those who are most affected by the situation in the region: the people.

The book was written originally in 1988, and has an afterward by the author written in April 2002. As Grossman says in his afterward, "Nothing has changed." This book is as fresh and revealing today as it was 15 years ago. I really gained a lot by reading this book. You will too.

Faces of the conflict, January 21, 2002
David Grossman manages to do the seemingly impossible as he humanizes the conflict between the Jews and Arabs in Israel. An outstanding picture is drawn that shows the humanity of the conflict, both the ugly and beauty involved without any bias. A brief historical perspective is included to help further illustrate the ongoing problem. Grossman interviews and paraphrases his discussions along the way of his journey, seeking the truth without politicians interference from either side. The stories are for the most part heartbreaking, as Grossman explores and tells his revealed stories of the never ending conflict. Although written "early" on in the conflict, the issues and people are the same. Palestinians dispossesed, turned to bitter anger, further escalated by a Jewish authority that tries to mantain some order between the now, old adversaries. The book is insightful and unfortunatly prophetic of the current situation that now calls for a murder by one side in retaliation for another murder. The cycle is unending, the faces on the news all to real and Grossman revealed the faces long ago. He traveled throughout the country to gather the stories of those most affected by war. He talks to old and young alike as they complain and show their disdain, their fears and their little hope for a workable solution. The books raises many questions, often going deeper than the conflict itself, obviously there are no easy solutions.The cruely inflicted upon each group is part of the problem but the roots of the conflict date back to the partioning of the land and the changing landscape of the geography and it's inhabitants. This book is a very worthwhile read that is a fast page turner. Highly recommended for those interested in the conflict of the Middle East that seems to be the fuse of the powder keg.

Worth reading, November 10, 2003
This is a good book providing good insight into the human dimension of the conflict. Well worth reading. I found two chapters particularly striking. First one is about a Palestinian village divided in two after a Jordanian and Israeli border agreement, and how members of the same family could grow differing identities (and even come to be not so fond of each other) due to such cruel separation for years. Second one is about a terrorist's father. Grossman gives this poor man's account as he told him, without adding his own commentary. Briefly, the son, who was grown up and living in another town away from the father's home, got involved in a terrorist act that took innocent Israeli lives. The father was subsequently picked up from work by the Israeli authorities, and pressured to disclose whereabouts of his son, which he maintained he didn't know (of the son's whereabouts and his alleged terrorist act). Torture and all sorts of humiliation were used, including threats of rape of his wife and daughters. His house was bulldozed to ground on fifteen minute's notice. He lost his work permit, and reduced to wander as a beggar from one village to another, avoiding his own out of shame. He and his family ended up living in one bedroom at a neighbor's house, without kitchen or bathroom. The son was found and killed eventually without the help of any of this effort on the father. After telling this story, Grossman says something like (paraphrasing), "of course, one's heart doesn't go out to this man's suffering and pain" vis-a-vis, I guess, the pain suffered by the Israeli victims of the son's act. And he continues (still paraphrasing), "but I guess, it is such instances where we have to be more rational and measured." Well, maybe this was all my misreading Grossman, but why wouldn't one's heart go out to this man? Mine did. And I thought modern states and tribes would have to differ a bit in such law enforcement and crime investigation matters. What is new about this? Maybe this (i.e., Grossman's slip, as I see it) too is an indication of how tough and convoluted the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has become. Actually, throughout the book, Grossman seems to respect and listen more to those Palestinians who manage to maintain their honor and dignity no matter what, and who therefore arouse curiosity and would impress anyone. Those who are truly wretched seem to barely touch him, if they do at all. I guess such condition of theirs is their own fault, or their parents' or sons' and daughters'. In any event, the book is free from preaching; it's not like the author's value judgments will get in the way of your reading. By all accounts, Grossman did a commendable job, and my little critique is, well, mine only.

A true masterpiece, March 2, 2002
David Grossman's "Yellow Wind" is superb with a richness and texture to his writing that is honesta nd sincere. Grossman was highly criticized for providing the Palestinian story but when one reads this text, it is all sides that he lies within and one can hear the injustices of both the Israeli and the Palestinian.
I think this text is wonderful and easy to read!

Red Sky at Morning..., November 14, 2000
Israeli novelist David Grossman spent time on the West Bank talking to Palestinians and Jews about how their lives have been affected by a constant state of hostility and frustration. He doesn't waste much ink on the complex political forces at work; instead, he gives the issues a human face. He visits refugee camps, radical Zionist settlements, universities and kindergartens; he describes the humiliating searches at the Allenby Bridge (and how necessary they are); he interviews a Jewish lawyer who defends Palestinians caught in a Kafkaesque legal system. He finds people on both sides who want to listen to each other but never seem to connect, despite their best efforts. He asks the question, Can an occupying army also be moral, or does the act of occupation contradict morality?

This book offers no easy solutions to the problems in that part of the world. In fact, although the book was written more than a decade ago, the situation has only gotten worse. But these essays remind us that there is always more than one side to a story, and that not every story has a happy ending.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Arab/Israeli relations; Grossman fleshes out the raw statistics we hear on the nightly news. I hope he eventually writes a follow-up that is more optimistic.

About Peoples Feelings--Not About Politics or Agreements, October 20, 2003
This book is more important today than when it was orginally written, in 1988. It contains a new afterward by the author. The author, a journalist, gives his impressions, and relates various converstaions, as he travels all over the West Bank, and through parts of both Israel and Palestine.

He presents views from both sides of the issue very well. The book is not about politics, or various peace agreements. It is about individual people's feelings. I have read many books on this topic, and this is one of the BEST. I feel that I understand MUCH better why all the peace agreements come to nothing. To sum it up in a nutshell, the extremists on both sides will EACH never accept less than ALL of the land-that is why nothing works.

A very disturbing but important book about the Israeli-Arab conflict, November 3, 2010
David Grossman is one of the three top Israeli novelists. Each tries to resolve the Israeli-Arab conflict and bring peace. The other two are Amos Oz and A. B. Yehoshua. Grossman wrote his book to show the agony suffered by both sides. The volume is vivid and disturbing. It made Grossman one of the leaders of Israel's left. It caused many Israelis to hate him, hatred that continues today. He still receives threats from fellow Jews. Readers may want to read the excellent analysis of Grossman and his writings in George Packer's article "The Unconsoled," in the September 27, 2010 edition of The New Yorker.

Grossman visited the west bank and listened to men and women, Jewish and Arab, students and teachers, old and young, and reported the bitterness of Israelis and Arabs. He tells how Arabs live, their aspiration, frustrations, bitterness, and rage. He reveals how Arab students are stopped repeatedly from attending school by Israeli soldiers. He reports how Israeli judges judge Arabs and how they are afraid to release Arabs who are obviously innocent lest they appear overly lenient to the Arab people and encourage more violence. He writes of incidences where Israeli soldiers mistreated Arabs, physically and psychologically. He gives examples of how the Israeli presence in the west bank is breeding contempt and hatred.

He recalls the statement of Professor Yeshayahu Leibowitz immediately after the 1967 war. Leibowitz said that it is impossible to be occupiers and remain moral. Grossman emphasizes that "today the real enemy is not the Palestinian or the Israeli but the extremist and the fanatic on either side." Yet, these extremists have infected Israelis and Arabs, like a spreading black plague that is savaging the morality and the future of both people.

Grossman describes his meetings with Arabs at a refugee camp on the west bank, the frustrations of the women, and how the men are afraid to talk, afraid of Israelis, spies, and fellow Arabs. The women speak of returning to parts of Israel where their grandparents once lived, land they never saw. Grossman is struck by how the Arabs remind him by their looks, words, aspirations, and actions of Jews that he knows, as well as Jews in ancient and near ancient history.

He cites a scientific study of the dreams of Israeli and Arab children. Seventeen percent of the dreams of the Jewish children had meetings with Arabs; thirty percent of the Arab children dreamed of encounters with Jews. The Jewish children saw the Arabs in their dreams as criminals. The Arab children dreamed of conflicts and battles with the Israelis. "(A)mong some thousand dreams of Jewish and Arab children, there is not one which indicates a longing for peace."

He reports on his visit to a Jewish settlement on the west bank. All of the inhabitants are militants. Some tried to plant bombs and kill Arab leaders, mayors and other politicians. He met with some fifty inhabitants in a room and asked them over and over again, very politely, can you tell me how you think the Arabs feel about you settling in the west bank? They could not answer his question. They refused to consider the feelings of the Arabs. They wanted to discuss their rights. Even a so-called moderate and well-respected rabbi had strong anti-Arab views. Grossman encountered other rabbis in other settlements with similar strong destructive anti-Arab feelings. He tells of psychological studies of the adverse affects of these settlers' attitudes upon them. They want to be pious. They see themselves as following the dictates of Torah. But they are destroying themselves and chances for peace. They are demolishing the goal of Torah. They have set a cancer within their souls.

He tells what an old Arab said about a yellow wind "that will soon come, maybe in his lifetime: the wind will come from the gate of Hell." It will set "the world afire, and people will seek shelter from its heat in the caves and caverns, but even there those it seeks, those who have performed cruel and unjust deeds, there, in the cracks in the boulders, it exterminates them, one by one. After that day, Abu Harb says, the land will be covered with bodies."

The Yellow Wind, July 22, 2009
The Yellow Wind is nonfiction. The title refers to what is described in the book as the wind that comes out of Hell to consume everything in its path. It fits the message of the text. The way the yellow wind from Hell consumes everything in its path, is just like the way the cycle of violence and revenge in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

The introduction runs through some things that have happened after the book was written. Then it goes on to talk about Grossman's meetings with a group of Israel and Palestinian writers.

The book's cover has a picture of a man with angry look on his face with one of his fists raised slightly, as if to strike out at the object of his focus. The fist is set apart from the rest of the picture by black lines. I think it's symbolic of the cultures' focus on their hatred for enemies, that the Israeli/Palestinian conflict has turned the people to thoughts of revenge.

The book doesn't really have proper characters. It has characters, but none other than the author really come up more than once. The characters affect the story by living out the cycle of revenge and hate because the reader is meant to see the need to bring it to an end. I think a lot of the characters are easy to empathize with because no one is indifferent to being oppressed and injustice generally offends the moral sensibilities of readers.

Fear, hatred, and the power struggle between the Israelis and Palestinians are big themes in the book. I'd say they help drive home the point I think the book is trying to make. They are very effective. His style is a little odd. At first the events seem a little muddled and disjointed. That might have been because I wasn't used to his style. I think very accessible. Those with strong religious opinions about the things in the book might not find it so, but I think it works for almost anyone who would decide to read the book.

A quote that I think does a good job of capturing the thought of the book, "And the children listen, and are meant, it seems, to patch together some sort of philosophy and system of moral values in which one attempted murder is acceptable and another is not." I think this quote shows that things need to change because the way they are is unacceptable.
The book is set in Israel during 1980's. The author travels around and talks to people about their lives. I think the text reaches the reader easily but that's intended because the real purpose lies in the answer that it seeks.

A minor theme he did a good job was the theme of homeland. He brings it up and shows us that both people groups have very similar values because there are different stories with the different people groups that revolve around a loss of their h

So little has changed, July 14, 2008
Grossman's message in The Yellow Wind is simple, and has been declaimed in other situations, at other times: occupation of one people by another degrades the moral and political life of both occupied and occupier. In The Yellow Wind Grossman allows both Arabs and Jews to speak their own opinions about the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza in their own words, although there is a significant authorial intrusion at various times. Grossman's analysis is penetrating, deep and involved. His command of the political situation of the first 20 years of Israeli occupation of the Territories is multifaceted, his perspective humane and intense, and as his forward and afterward show, the essential themes of the book are still relevant, twenty years after its publication. In the end, it is the common people, both Jews and Arabs, who lose from 100 years of conflict. The cycle of violence and fear without end becomes a kind of tragic nexus for Israelis and Palestinians which no one is capable of resolving, which only worsens with time, every attempt at a solution only highlighting the complexity of the conflict. Everyone in the region, Grossman explains, is touched by this conflict. David Grossman's son was killed in the 2006 Lebanon war. Knowing this, and then reading this book, adds to the pathos and veracity of his claims.

Timeless Prose; Ever-Important, May 31, 2001
"The Yellow Wind" doesn't need me to praise it. But I see few reveiws for it here. So, I must say that this book is more important today than when it was written in the late 80's. It shows all that has come to pass between ethnic rivals and it shows why. David Grossman is my hero, and will be yours too if you read this book, which is Highly Recommended! ... Read more